('

{shortcode-0dcc37b3edd44cbc6947b6ab2785a531a8399581}It's the beginning of the school year and although many of us are getting deeper and deeper into psets and papers, some of us are still trying to hold on to the positive summer vibes for as long as possible. Cambridge (for once in forever) is having abnormally nice weather, and you want to make the most of it through your summer wardrobe before it comes time to pull out the cozy fall sweaters and UGG minis. Not sure what to wear? This alignment chart will (probably) have you looking like you've walked straight out of Taylor Swift's "august."

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('

{shortcode-fc911701336de27ef3b901368b4c3e9ab19c54aa}I spent my Saturday night with a bunch of 40-year-olds south of Boston. What about you?

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I really remember looking around the room and thinking, I sure have burst my bubble, alright — way to kick off my senior year. Seriously, I took “senior citizen” to a new level.

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I often go down the TikTok rabbit hole of stand-up comedians doing crowd work. (Anyone else? Maybe not. Maybe TikTok really said ~For You Page~.) So, believe it or not, I was happy to be there despite being the youngest person in the room.

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I traveled to the beautiful waterfront venue of Boston Harbor Distillery, ready for a good time. Thanks to being fashionably late because a girl’s gotta work around dhall hours, I found myself front and center in the first row. It was certainly intimate and made for several one-on-one chats throughout the show because these comedians really did not miss a single microexpression of mine.

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I would say that within the first five minutes, everyone there picked up on me and my friends being from Harvard, and I received several eyebrow raises when I verified that yes, that indeed means I am from Cambridge. The performer blatantly asked, “What are you doing here?” One thing about comedians is, they give it to you straight.

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Toto, I don’t think we’re in Cambridge anymore.

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Venturing all the way to Dorchester was worth it, though, because I got to hear from three performers and the comedian Ray Harrington, all with a $15 ticket. They had a talent for interacting with the audience, and I enjoyed the completely unscripted jokes and how they poked fun at us for sticking out like a sore thumb in the audience, as “a bunch of 20-somethings in our best years.”

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I would say that perhaps, the next time I come up with a spontaneous plan like going to a comedy show, I should do more research on the vibe check. But, let’s be real, I will be doing no such thing. Part of what made this experience memorable was how clearly we didn’t fit in. I fear that some of the other audience members were not too pleased by a bunch of young people attending because some of the strained laughter and lack of enthusiasm took me back to being in Science Center Hall B, not a distillery. I would like to apologize to Mr. Ray Harrington who named this one of his most tense shows, second to when he had to perform to a bunch of distraught, crying people at a conference for rare diseases.

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It's amazing how therapeutic and healing laughter can be. Maybe I’ll have better luck getting a six-pack with this than I have at the MAC. Attending this show was such a nice break from routine. Let improv comedy remind us not to take everything so seriously. Embrace the uncertainty. Yes, even the uncertainty of not knowing what is on the menu because you are digging through your email inbox unable to find Harvard Today. I challenge you, improvise your way through Harvard, in situations from bumping into your TF at CVS to forgetting someone’s name.

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After a laughably unusual experience, I would definitely burst the bubble to attend another improv comedy performance. Shoutout to South Shore Comedy Show for a good night. I encourage you to check it out. Maybe it can become a Harvard takeover. Now that I have popped the bubble, I know that I will definitely be exploring other comedy shows. Send your recommendations my way!

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('

{shortcode-a06b3afa8ae712b3ab5009fb4feb7b7d94fdd981}I was having lunch with my friends in the Dunster dhall when I took the liberty of reading the HUDS newsletter placed upon each table. I noticed that BoardPlus was still $65 per semester this year, and I began to think: how long has that been the amount of BoardPlus each student has received each semester? After failing to find a Crimson article about the BoardPlus rate being raised (an oversight that would NEVER occur today), I decided to visit my trusty friend, the Wayback Machine.

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I started by looking at February 2003, the month I was born. At the moment of my entrance into the world, the HUDS BoardPlus rate was $50 a month. Side note, this website layout is very fun.

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{shortcode-21e939b61a5e6beba3961721dfd6174146336dac}

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The value of this today, according to the first website I found, is $85. And this is BEFORE the increase.

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{shortcode-28c57bb2029f26a8683cdbc45702a93fed88e92e}

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So, I looked for when the change occurred. In 2006, the BoardPlus rate was still $50 a semester.

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{shortcode-a18feff1241693f14bbc998221b21ab7fce0c739}

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This is the equivalent of $78 in today’s money.

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{shortcode-70110055973417463876f80e2a23626679344eab}

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But between 2006 and 2007, something changed. HUDS BoardPlus became $65, the rate we know and love today.

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{shortcode-7e1f050917dfd13ab7b1d8d1bb78039a8db5967b}

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This was the equivalent of… Can you believe it?!

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{shortcode-01407dfb88152b4cc3e52580b0e7061c7c0a6419}

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Ninety-eight dollars! That is almost exactly 150 percent of our current BoardPlus rate. Our BoardPlus allowance has been the same through several financial crises and a pandemic. Coffee and mozz sticks are more expensive than ever, and HUDS turns a blind eye. Not to mention that the price of board as an undergraduate has almost doubled since 2007.

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So, basically, I should be getting 150 percent of the free coffee I am now… just saying…

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-a06b3afa8ae712b3ab5009fb4feb7b7d94fdd981}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/11/015557_1372651.png.1500x1125_q95_crop-smart_upscale.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-21e939b61a5e6beba3961721dfd6174146336dac}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/11/014832_1372645.jpg.1500x843_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='BoardPlus Rate in 2003', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-28c57bb2029f26a8683cdbc45702a93fed88e92e}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/11/014958_1372646.jpg.1500x843_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="BoardPlus from 2003 with today's inflation", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-a18feff1241693f14bbc998221b21ab7fce0c739}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/11/015057_1372647.jpg.1500x843_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='BoardPlus in 2006', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-70110055973417463876f80e2a23626679344eab}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/11/015158_1372648.jpg.1500x843_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="BoardPlus from 2006 with today's inflation", hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-7e1f050917dfd13ab7b1d8d1bb78039a8db5967b}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/11/015244_1372649.jpg.1500x843_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption='BoardPlus in 2007', hovertext=None, contributors=]>), ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-01407dfb88152b4cc3e52580b0e7061c7c0a6419}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/thumbnails.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/09/11/015326_1372650.jpg.1500x843_q95_crop-smart_upscale.jpg', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption="BoardPlus from 2007 with today's inflation", hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])

('

{shortcode-cc13a89a7eb7f64e65ec2881fe950eefc470e263}Dear Class of 2025,

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With 260 or so days left to go until graduation (I mean who’s counting…), it’s natural to feel both excited and perhaps a bit anxious about what comes next. While it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of applications, psets and future plans — take a moment to breathe and take some notes because Flyby Blog is back with some unsolicited advice. To help you navigate this year with a bit more ease, here are things you should and shouldn’t do during your senior year. So, grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into this year.

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DON’T: Go to Lecture

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Or section. Or lab. Or office hours. It’s senior year — why bother? Sorry y’all but this one’s #false. It might seem like a logical choice to start slacking off and put all your attention into post-grad plans, but skipping out on your (very expensive) education may lead to some unintended consequences. Stay engaged and maybe you’ll even learn something new. Also, while you still have time — take some courses that you’ve been dying to take since freshman year if you finally have space for an elective. That one film class? Take it. The WGS class you’ve had your eye on? Take it. CS50? Um…

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DO: Visit All The Libraries, Eat In All The Dhalls…

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From Harvard Yenching Library to the Frances Loeb Library, plan a trip to the various Harvard libraries and check out their unique archives and collections. It won’t be long before you lose access… With only 12 upperclassmen dining halls, we have no doubt you can also plan a dinner at each of the dining halls before you graduate. This year, spend less on UberEats and enjoy your free meals while you still don’t need to cook for yourself. Also, finish that boardplus.

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DON’T: Compare Yourself

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Easier said than done I know… While some people may look like they have it all figured out with their BCG return offers or JDP acceptance letters, remember to focus on your own goals and achievements. Senior year is a time to focus on yourself and figure out what works best for you. Embrace your path and trust that your own experiences will get you exactly where you need to be in a year’s time.

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DO: Look for Meaningful Post Grad Plans

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I am once again asking you all to be delusional about life and romanticize your future. While you should still remain practical (to a certain extent), find something that truly excites and motivates you! When you’re considering your post-grad plans, aim for something that aligns with your passions and long-term goals rather than just what seems most practical or convenient. And please, do not base your decisions solely on where your significant other may end up post-grad. Relationships are important, but your career and personal growth should also be a priority. So dream big, think creatively, and choose a path that feels right for you.

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DON’T: Waste the Year Thinking About June 2025

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Unless it’s about your amazing vacation plans, don’t let this year pass you by focused only on what comes next. Take some time to hang out with friends, attend the free study breaks, and maybe even go to an IM game.

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DO: House Traditions & Harvard Traditions

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Go all out for Housing Day, ring the Lowell Bells, attend Drag Night at Adams House — do everything you can while you’re still here. Pee on John Harvard’s Statue, participate in Primal Scream, swim in the Charles, or even do Reverse River Run as a senior and go to each undergraduate house the night of Housing Day (for legal reasons, Flyby Blog does #not endorse any of these actions).

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DON’T: Ask People About Post-Grad Plans…

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September is too early to be doing all this. So is October and maybe even April. Don’t ask people about the status of their Rhodes application or if they were endorsed for Marshalls, I can guarantee it won’t help you or them. In due time, you’ll find out once they tell you… or you’ll see it on LinkedIn.

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DO: Leave Your Dorm & Be Cringe.

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Do all of the things you haven’t had a chance to do yet. Kayak on the Charles river with your blocking group, coordinate grad photos at the bridge and let the tears flow during senior sunset. Scream loud and proud at Harvard-Yale and fight your way into Crimween. Senior year of college is a major milestone — do everything your heart desires and embrace the quirks of college life.

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As you embark on this final year, remember to balance ambition with enjoyment, and cherish every moment of your time at Harvard.

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Warmest wishes,

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Flyby Blog

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P.S. Don’t forget to book those hotels/Airbnb for graduation!

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('

{shortcode-f0ef8a0be5205f5f519c5e6d073a058335b80204}As a freshly minted sophomore (who still sometimes says freshman accidentally), this new school year has been quite different. Whether you’ve been upgraded to a great suite on the river or exiled to Cronck, starting your second year at the college has its quirks. Life outside the yard is quite a different experience! If you’re an upperclassman reading this, hopefully, you can relate to and lament the loss of the most iconic freshman moments. If you happen to be a member of the class of 2028, perhaps take this list as an opportunity to remind yourself what you should be grateful for before you too are shipped off into house life.

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Cabot Science Library (is no more)

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Oh, Cabot Science Library, you were there for me at my worst. When the Sunday Scaries kicked in, I could always count on finding pset answers friends under the stunning fluorescent lights. How I miss the MQC → Cabot → Brain Break pipeline. Although I will never feel nostalgic about the *INSANE NOISE LEVELS* on the 2nd floor, I am sad that my Remy sightings will dramatically decrease.

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FlyBy (the meal service)

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The takeout rush in Berg between classes was the one thing getting me through not having a lunch break last year. Unfortunately, I have now been relegated to eating a soggy FlyBy sandwich instead of the ~scrumptious~ grape pizza. I’m left staring, full of jealousy, at the white takeout container of the freshman beside me in Math 21A.

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Being the old one in the class

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Speaking of the freshmen in Math 21A, I am NOT used to being the oldest student in the class. The talk of pre-orientations, convocation, and comping consulting clubs is not for the faint of heart. Despite still being in the younger half of students at the college, I feel like a dinosaur compared to the freshmen wearing the “ONE CRIMSON” sweaters.

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Having to *actually* pick your concentration

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As someone who chose to go to a ~liberal arts college~ to push off decisions, having to actually declare a concentration is a day I never thought I would see. But the “you have so much time” days are over, now is THE time to choose. Although knowing me this declaration will be far from permanent (catch me changing my mind AGAIN), the lack of freedom is really being felt.

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Not knowing everyone’s classes

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Gone are the days of hearing about “Econ 10A, Math 1A, LS 1A, and Freshman Seminars.” Now everyone is in such an array of courses, and I feel like I learn about a new one each day! This is kind of cool because I don’t have the same conversation over and over again but also leaves me with a sense of dread that I will never be able to explore all these different classes!

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Being (somewhat) on time

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This is fairly self-explanatory but despite living outside the yard, I still somehow assume nothing is more than a five-minute walk. Lateness ensues.

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All in all, being a sophomore is weird. It feels like just yesterday I was sweating through my own convocation, and now the class of 2029 (that year feels fake) is working on their college apps!! At least I don’t have to deal with the struggle of freshman housing anymore, but I do sometimes still miss life in the yard.

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{shortcode-e75744c4d24c85799b97c4e7b2061a641b07e3fd}

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If you’re like most people, you’ve entered this semester with a resolution to live life to the fullest while simultaneously not sacrificing any other element of your goals and ambitions. Okay, easy enough — sike! It’s actually really hard. But luckily, Flyby Blog has your back. Here are some ways to make sure your grades don’t suffer while you methodically tick off boxes on a test some random Rice students made in 1924.

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Study Parties

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“But I have my pset group already,” you say. What a hilarious joke. No, we mean throw a study rager. Try an essay power hour darty or a final exam pregame. Invite the whole class and also everyone else you know. Have actual fun, not depressing “I’m so going to fail” chats between practice problems. Dance as a study break! Make out as a study break! Any ~activity~ can be a study break if you’re not studying!

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Don’t Procrastinate

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There is no concentration at Harvard that is so difficult that you must be working on it between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. on a Friday or Saturday. If you are working then, it is simply a skill issue. Doing your work a few days before it’s strictly due won’t kill you, but it will make it a lot easier to accept invitations.

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Never Take More Than Four Graded Classes at Once

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Do not take more classes than there are letters in BORG. This feels like it should be common sense but apparently it is not. Your GPA will suffer if you are taking more classes than recommended! (Side note: for this reason, secondaries seem like a trap, but that’s another article.)

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Break Laws and Get Caught by the Police on Purpose

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This is a great way to tick off a couple of purity test items, and since you’re a Harvard student, you basically get purge-lite rules until you graduate anyway. I suggest grand larceny but do whatever. For legal reasons, this is a joke.

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The Utilitarian Approach

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Any effective altruist will tell you, it’s not about how hard you try but what you do with your effort. Thus, instead of attempting to experience life organically and at the pace at which it comes, optimize your every free moment to do specifically the activities on the test. If you’re not picky and can gather a few friends who have the same goal, you can knock out a good half of them in 24 hours. More, if you know a guy.

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Just Use the Harvard Purity Test Instead

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That’s right: if you want to forgo a list of more activities than many people would actually like to accomplish, you can use the list we made which is composed of things Harvard students actually do.

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Remember: it’s possible to have it all, as long as you define “it all” by two arbitrary numerical metrics. Just please, please, never attempt numbers 99 and 100.

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{shortcode-88deeabf231ffa3874f18b05e7096cc0c5888d6a}

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As I enter my final year of college, one piece of advice I shall offer you is that you should talk to your professors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found out some hidden lore about my professors or read up on their extensive biography that reminds me that they’re not just people that make me suffer through my psets. And guess what? Office hours are the perfect excuse to get to know the people you will be dozing off to for the rest of the semester. But office hours are intimidating! Office hours are boring! Don’t worry, I got you covered on how you can be prepared.

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1. Initiate deep conversation

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Every single student in office hours asks the same questions and initiates the same conversation. Harvard intro, research background, oh I love this topic, can you tell me more about this specific thing you mentioned in class? Make a real impression by digging deep, not into the course material but into their psyche. What are their greatest fears and desires? How do they define love? Did they truly choose this career path or does the concept of choice not exist?

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2. Take notes on everything they say

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Like the name of their fourth cousin, once removed, who recently had their appendix removed. You never know when that information will be valuable. How flattering would it be if a student remembers that specific information and asks you how that family member is when you run into them later? Creepy and caring are a fine line. But of course, also take notes on things they say relevant to their class so you can actually pass.

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3. Have a game plan

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Office hours can be a great time to get to know other students and the professor. But it is a war zone. There is limited time and no one likes having their time wasted. Come in with a game plan, timestamps included, and bulldoze your way to a potential recommendation letter.

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4. Take a buddy with you

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You are never, ever alone. There are no stupid questions until there are. Take a friend with you to office hours to ease the tension, and so they can kick you under the table when you start asking irrelevant questions that will make everyone hate you. But also, two brains are better than one, right?

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Good luck out there. Attend office hours. Pass that class.

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('

{shortcode-a290c863f981be1687848667ba60243d99124549} It’s September, which means that Brat summer has unfortunately… shall I say it? Come to a close.

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But that doesn’t mean we need to say goodbye forever. Why not bring some of Brat summer into the fall? Brat summer was messy. It was hot. It was all about saying “yes” and having the time of our lives and embracing the unknown. Why should we let such a good thing go?

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We won’t. That’s why we, Flyby, are encouraging YOU to bring Brat summer into the fall. Keep living unpredictably. Keep Harvard on its toes. We know you want to.

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Below, find some ways to continue embracing Brat summer, even as the leaves change.

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1. Only bring mysterious colored drinks to class

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Are you drinking a Celsius? Funnily-colored coffee? A White Claw? Some sort of homemade cocktail creation? Straight vodka? The world will never know. And if someone asks you… you have plausible deniability.

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2. Pregame your Thursday night during your dhall dinner

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I’m not saying I haven’t brought my own cocktail to the Eliot dhall. Literally no one cares. It looks like lemonade.

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3. Instead of “let’s get a meal sometime,” invite them on a mission.

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“It was awesome running into you! Want to wander through the Adams basement with a bottle of Peach Andre and count how many acorns we find on the wall?”

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“So glad to see you! Want to sneak into the Lowell bell tower on Friday?”

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4. When someone asks “how was your summer?” answer with food or obscure similes.

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“It was great, a lot of good cacio e pepe and chocolate milkshakes from Shake Shack, what about you?”

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“Lovely! I honestly felt like I was on Jupiter half the time!”

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5. Rollerblade to class

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Why are we still walking? YOU’RE THE MAIN CHARACTER. Rollerblade through the Yard to your 10:30 a.m. in Sever and all eyes will be on you.

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6. DO THE HARVARD TRADITIONS

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Seniors, looking at you. I’ve heard something about the stacks… maybe something about a certain Weeks bridge at night…a specific statue in the Yard…

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With this, we have all the faith you’ll successfully keep Brat summer alive well into the fall. Keep Harvard funky.

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Welcome, class of 2028! We're Flyby Blog, your source for campus hacks, local tips, and general Harvard commiseration. To help you transition from sad high schooler to self-actualized Harvard student, we've provided a few articles so you can catch up:

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How To: Maximize Your Harvard Freshman Year

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Basically, start here to learn how to navigate the next few weeks.

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A Guide to Harvard Campus References
\r\nGo from social class of 2028 to social class of 2025 with this ~campus cultural context~!

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Guess the Annenberg Conversation

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You'll hear a lot of weird conversations in the next few weeks. We'll help you figure out what's what.

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A Guide to Harvard’s Passive Aggression

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Do you feel like nobody is saying what they mean? We have a guide for that.

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Awkward Freshman Moments

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Life won't always be perfect. Brace yourself for these... unfortunate instances.

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Fill-In-the-Blank for a Last-Minute Extension Email

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Accidentally on purpose missing a deadline will happen faster than you think. Prepare with this ready-made email!

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Enjoy these articles, and have a great first week of the rest of your life!

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{shortcode-2631c32988f8ba456cec54ddd510713c46a5fe9c}

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Welcome to Harvard and to some, welcome back! As the new semester encroaches upon us, we would like to take a moment of reflection and pass on to the next generation the campus lore from the past few years.

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1. Obama’s footsteps

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We are always manifesting our favorite alum and former POTUS Barack Obama to grace our campus with his presence. Particularly up for debate… was he there for former President Claudine Gay’s inauguration?

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2. Tasty Burger Crash

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A cautionary tale. The next time you think about jay-walking, remember that an Electric Harvard Shuttle crashed into Tasty Burger one night. Nobody was hurt! Except, well, the bus.

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3. Grapes on Pizza

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That one time HUDS blew everyone’s mind by putting grapes (yes, that’s right, not grape tomatoes, actual grapes) on pizza. Everybody’s new favorite topping and the epitome of creativity. Long live grapes on pizza.

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4. Yard chairs

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Any time you are asked about Harvard’s incredibly large endowment and tuition costs that increase each year, your go-to explanation will be the yard chairs. That’s right, $700 for a colorful metal chair… is it just us, or is inflation getting out of hand?

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5. Lamonster

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Your friends who you haven’t seen for days that are usually just living in Lamont Library. Some people bring mattresses and blankets during finals. You’ve been warned!

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6. Tasty Basty

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Tasty Burger has a bar and party area in its basement that clubs rent out. It is typically the center of freshmen social life (besides MIT).

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7. The UC

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Our former form of student government. We (those of us who voted, anyway) decided to get rid of them and just rebrand to HUA. How is it different? Good question!

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8. Color/Crimson Clear

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Back in the day of Covid tests, we had to use this little website to prove to Harvard we were healthy! Go shove a stick up your nose, for old time’s sake.

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9. Winthrop Grille

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As we are both Winthrop Residents, we are saddened to inform you that the Grille was open for a brief period of time, but has once again been shut down. Hopefully you can enjoy the wonders and mozzarella sticks of the Grille during at least one semester of your four years at Harvard. Until then, you have the Eliot, Dunster, Quincy, and Quad Grilles.

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10. Red’s Best Fresh Catch

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Once upon a time, the locally caught fish HUDS now serves was called Red’s Best Fresh Catch. We still wonder… What happened to Red? Where are his best catches? Perhaps the best catch are the friends we made along the way.

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That’s all the wisdom we have to offer for now Class of 2028! Good luck figuring out the rest of the Harvard Bubble.

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{shortcode-5ba0f53aa5ecbcba4831e66916708f1517d645e7}

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One thing you will quickly realize about Harvard: very few conversations are what you would consider… normal. That is to say, many of the conversations have a subtext of evaluation without being overtly evaluative. Or, sometimes they are. You’ll see what I mean. So, a fun game to play in Berg is: Guess! That! Convo!

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First Date vs. Club Interview

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Both include weirdly invasive questions to evaluate a potential match. Both should absolutely not be happening in Annenberg. Potential questions include, “where are you from,” “where do you see yourself in ten years,” and, “what did you do in high school?”

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Meeting with PAF vs. “We Should Grab Lunch Sometime”

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One person is vastly more interested than the other. And yet, somehow, they’re both just pretending to care? One of the people will say things like, “Wow, it’s been so long since we last talked! We need to do this more often!” And the other will pointedly not agree.

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Went to the Same High School vs. Ex of Ex

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There’s a shared trauma running deep below the surface that the mere eavesdropper can only imagine. But there’s also a shared feeling of being better than everyone else. They mention a café with a knowing grimace — but is it a popular Stuy haunt or a shared break-up locale?

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P-set Group vs. Polycule

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They’re all over each other, and never seen apart. They know each other’s bedtimes and coffee orders. Sweatshirt ownership is just a suggestion. Okay, one of these options is more likely. But the other is way more interesting. And who’s to say one can’t lead to the other…

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Bonus (and this one I guarantee you will experience): are they flirting, or are they trying to get me to check my voter registration and request a mail-in ballot?

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\r\nHave fun both playing this game and getting into these quintessential Harvard situations yourself! But if you’re on a Berg first date, come on. Surely you could at least spring for BoardPlus.

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{shortcode-042b4624e69eef9fe30b49d4f92fef3a02dbd687}

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\r\nWhether you’re an incoming freshman or a socially confused upperclassman, conversation at Harvard can be more challenging than even your hardest classes. Thought Poisson distribution was hard? Try holding a conversation. With underlying meaning and inflection, it can be difficult to decipher someone's true meaning and intention. That’s why we’ve compiled a few common passive aggressive phrases to keep in the back of your mind during the conversation or when you overthink about it after (or maybe even to use on other people ;)).

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Social Passive Aggression

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What they say: “We should grab a meal sometime!”

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What they mean: They just want to end the conversation quickly. They most likely don’t actually want to grab a meal, but just want a way out of the conversation without being an asshole. Occasionally, though, someone will mean it with good intentions, so use your discretion.

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What they say: “You can use my Calendly to schedule our hangout/ I’ll send you a G-Cal invite.”

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What they mean: They’re busier than you in every possible way. Absolutely DO NOT actually schedule a casual hangout using their Calendly. If they can’t juggle their social life and school without an online planner, then they probably don’t have time to be good friends.

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What they say: “It’s really competitive.”

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What they mean: There's two meanings for this phrase depending on the club that you’re talking about. Option one is that the club comp is actually open and completion based — so, lowkey, they’re making fun of it. Option two is that the club is actually really competitive, and they don’t want you to apply as competition. They’re trying to imply that you’re not qualified enough to join. Don’t let this deter you from applying: you’ll likely make it in.

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What they say: “I’ve never heard of that club.”

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What they mean: They’ve definitely heard of the club, unless it's super niche like a club we wanted to reference here but couldn’t think of because we haven’t heard of it. This person actually submitted their application before even showing up on campus, and are friends with the club’s board and president.

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School Passive Aggression

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What they say: Maybe you should go to office hours/ MQC if you have so many questions.

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What they mean: Please stop asking them for help or pset answers. They’re probably just busy or you’re asking at a bad time. I’m guilty of saying this one, and you probably should go to office hours to work on the assignment.

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What they say: That exam was really hard! I didn’t finish early. (Extra points if you’re actually sobbing/complaining about the exam in front of them.)

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What they mean: They’re simultaneously stressed about how they did on the exam, and still think they did better than you. But don’t worry! It’s Harvard, so you passed. Unless it’s Math 21B.

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What they say: I already finished that assignment…

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What they mean: Unless they really are ahead on their work (a very low probability), they probably haven’t finished the assignment, and want to see how far you actually are on it. You’ll see them in office hours right before the assignment is due to finalize answers. Give them grace, as they're probably stressed from the assignment already.

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What they say: I heard that class is supposed to be a gem.

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What they mean: Unless they’re also taking the class, they’re definitely judging you for taking easy classes, and not academically challenging yourself. Please use your free time to find new friends.

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Most of the time, these passive aggressive phrases are signs that you should talk to someone else, or find a new partner. If you’re continuing to receive these phrases, I recommend reflecting inwards and identifying that maybe you are the problem. Whatever the case may be, good luck navigating Harvard’s complex social scene.

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We all remember freshman year. Your young, hopeful self, so full of optimism and excitement, not yet aware of the sometimes less-than-appealing Berg food (can we please have another conversation about grapes on pizza?!), the endless p-sets, and the insane amount of time spent in Lamont crying. Some of us probably wish we could go back to our optimistic, naive freshman self. Others of us, well, we remember the less commemorable aspects of freshman year that easily alleviate any FOMO we might have. Here are a few awkward freshman moments we should all be grateful to be rid of…

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Move-In

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Move-in day is very exciting for most freshmen. You get to meet your suitemates for the first time, filled with hopefulness that these people will be your bridesmaids/groomsmen and you’ll never want for another friend again in your life. While you now know that this was wishful thinking and probably have your fair share of horror stories, there was no dimming the optimism as you got to your new home for the coming year. However, the deterioration of the optimism is rapid, as you’re put in a room with a bunch of people you know little to nothing about, all of whom are trying to decide which desk is theirs, what to do with the dressers, and where to put the excess of suitcases sitting in the common room. It’s chaos, and you find yourself not knowing whether or not to advocate for yourself or sacrifice your comfort in order to start out on a good note with your roommates. Parents are spewing out ideas and you don’t even know any of their names. Once the room is finally figured out and everyone is a little more quiet, you get acquainted with your roommates for the first time under the watchful gazes of parents, siblings, and maybe even a grandparent. Do you hug? What do you ask? What is there to talk about? Maybe you ramble about your flight in order to fill the silence, but there’s no denying it. It’s awkward. And it only gets worse from there.

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New Names

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Remember the conversation you had at least a thousand times in the first few weeks at school? The one where you’d be at some sort of freshman event, and you’d make awkward eye contact with someone. You go over and introduce yourself, starting the very basic and tiresome Harvard introduction, that you will surely repeat for your next four years. What’s your name? Where are you from? What are you thinking about concentrating in? Oh, interesting. Yesss, I’ve met a few people planning on concentrating in Government with a secondary in Economics. Etc. Etc. The people, concentrations, and places all started to blur together after a couple dozen introductions, and you find yourself forgetting the name of the person halfway through the conversation. Do you ask again? What if you see them again and they ask if you remember them and you don’t even know their name? Do you ask again? After all of these contemplations, you realize you had missed what they had answered to the last couple of questions, and you’re now entirely screwed. The conversation is now a dumpster fire and you find yourself awkwardly nodding along.

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Do I Wave?

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Saying “hi” or waving to people you have had brief interactions such as the one above can be a dangerous business. Since everyone has had so many similar conversations, it’s hard to remember exactly who you have enough of a relationship with to greet on a daily basis. You pass by someone you know that you’ve met, but you’re not sure whether or not to wave. You think it through as you contemplate whether or not to greet them. Are they looking at me? Do they remember me? What if I wave and they think I’m weird because they don’t remember me? You finally decide to do a little smile and say hi as you pass them, but nothing comes in return. No smile, no wave, no hi back. Did they not notice it? Did they think you weren’t talking to them? The people around you are giving you a hard time for it, and you’re thinking about how you will never wave to anyone again.

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Dorm Parties

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Dorm parties were a necessity for your first year. You met new people, tried new things, and really started taking advantage of the college experience. Unfortunately, because of the watchful eyes of the proctors, the parties had to be decently quiet. This led to an environment prone to awkwardness. Music barely playing, conversations solely surrounding school and the basic aspects of a person, it became an environment for the iconic Harvard freshman conversations to be had and little more. Or, if you decided to take the risk and have an actual party, it usually was ended by a proctor in thirty minutes or less. Yay Harvard! College is crazy!

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While these moments are necessary, character-building, and sometimes funny, I think I speak for most of us when I say that I’m happy to be past that stage of my college experience. It gets better, freshmen. I promise, it does.

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{shortcode-2c67d0c3494a6f38d2748d124f825af3d698f112}

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Dear Professor ______ (insert name here),

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I hope you are doing well. I know it’s _______ (current time and its relation to the deadline), but would it be possible for me to take a few extra ______ (units of time) on my ____ (name of assignment)? I was planning on finishing it tonight, but things have been ______ (adjective that conveys noble strength despite adverse circumstances). I was experiencing ______ (mild stress related condition) after my _____ (beloved yet distant family member) died. Finishing this assignment is my utmost priority and matters to me _____ (dishonest adverb). I’m hoping to get it to you by ______ (lie). Thank you so much!

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Sincerely,

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_____ (Your Name)

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{shortcode-627f54eb554fd49f3f60a4b6de6e0c3a49137bee}

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As the fall semester approaches, Harvard Yard is ready to welcome about 1,600 new faces to campus: freshmen (aka frosh). The once-titled “pre-frosh” will transition to frosh and truly begin to understand what Dean Khurana means by a transformative experience. The “transformative experience” looks a little different for every student at Harvard, but there are some commonalities or, shall I say, opportunities that frosh won’t want to miss.

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Feeling jittery about navigating Harvard’s campus and community? Don’t worry—there’s no right or wrong approach. Although there are ways to enhance your Harvard experience, and if you’re unaware how, don’t panic—Flyby has got your back, so keep on reading.

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Sweet Ol’ Annenberg

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You know that saying, “Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way?” I’d like to think that’s how Berg was. While HUDS cuisine isn’t always favored by the student body (especially on grape pizza day), we loved to spend hours there, meeting new people and making friends. That being said, use your time wisely and take advantage of the fact that everyone is trying to meet new people during the first few months. Feel free to join random tables and dive into frosh conversations—it’s not awkward at all.

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Explore Student Organizations

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Lucky for you, our school has over 400 student organizations, meaning there is a place for everyone here. No matter what you're looking for, chances are there is a developed group with similar objectives. If not, why not start your own? Joining clubs and attending info sessions will allow you to continue your passions, discover new ones, or make you realize something may not be for you—and that’s okay. :)

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Build Connections

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Outside of building bonds with peers, it’s important to interact with faculty outside of classroom hours. Spending time with faculty during office hours or coffee/tea chats can help them understand you as not only a student but as an individual. As you go into your freshman fall and spring semester, make an effort to reach out to all your professors, as they are fundamental to your academic journey and success. Trust me, faculty want to learn more about you and your way of thinking.

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Traditions (At Your Discretion)

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Some of the best memories of my freshman year involve Harvard traditions. From participating in the First-Year Outdoor Program in New Hampshire to attending the Harvard-Yale game or singing with friends at Yardfest, these traditions highlight the strong sense of community at Harvard. Always be sure to take time to enjoy where you are, and if you’re up for it, take part in traditions like River Run, Primal Scream, or leaving your mark on the John Harvard statue (if ykyk).

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As you kick off your transformative experience, remember that this is your time to explore, connect, and, yes, occasionally survive grape pizza day. Everything will feel new at first, and adjusting takes time, but all frosh go through it. Welcome to Harvard!

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{shortcode-fa5be8e3c80607e7e7b5b21e6ca01017a35ddd36}Hi, seniors of the class of 2024 Harvard College! We're so proud of you and everything you've accomplished. As you prepare for commencement, here are some of our tips and ideas for how you can prepare for your big day and post-grad life.

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Here Are Some Last Minute Outfit Ideas

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Realized that commencement is tomorrow and you still need an outfit? We have some ideas for you.

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Here Are Some Great Locations for Commencement Photos

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Choosing the right locations for your Commencement Day photos is crucial. Here are some iconic spots to consider.

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Here Are Some Post-Grad Plans If You Don't Have a Job

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So you’re graduating, and you didn’t secure a six figure starting salary for your first job out of Harvard. Or maybe you want to ignore the reality of adulthood for the next few months. Here's how to live your best life after graduation.

', [ShortcodeImageGQL(key='{shortcode-fa5be8e3c80607e7e7b5b21e6ca01017a35ddd36}', image_url='https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.thecrimson.com/photos/2024/05/21/201012_1371726.png', nofilm=False, pos='center', size='large', byline=True, quote=False, quotebyline=False, theme='light', caption=None, hovertext=None, contributors=]>)])